Arbutus unedo

Botanical Nomenclature

Arbutus unedo

Common Name

Strawberry Tree

Taxonomy- Family

Ericaceae

Distinguishing Features of the Plant

Αrbutus unedo is an evergreen shrub growing from 2 to 3m, with lanceolate, serrated, green leaves and white, bell-shaped flowers in bunches. The unripe fruits are spherical and yellow, while the ripe are red. The flowering takes place twice a year, the first one in May and the second in September. The harvesting takes place from October to December.

The whole plant has tonic and antiseptic properties. It is recommended for the treatment of constipation and urinary tract inflammations such as cystitis, urethritis, involuntary enuresis and dysuria. Also, it is used against hematuria and excessive bleeding during menstruation. Arbutus unedo was the first plant which has been used to extract the contained coumarins, from which were formed the coumarin anticoagulants, antithrombotic drugs.

Method of Administration

The plant is administered as anti-inflammatory in the form of herbal tea (tea, 2g of dried leaves in 100mL of boiled water, 2-3 times a day). Also it is used in the form of ointment (10 to 15 fruits are grinded in mortar with a small amount of oil), to treat boils and skin abscesses. The plant is used to manufacture alcoholic beverages such as wine and raki, which have expectorant and antipyretic activity (compresses), as well for the production of honey.

Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.

Toxicity- Adverse Effects

No side effects are reported. Overdose of the plant is toxic, due to its coumarin content (nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic).